Earlier in the year, the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) announced it was opening bids for the UK's very first UK Town of Culture 2028. For the first time, DCMS invited towns across the UK to enter the competition to showcase original storytelling, and empowering, accessible culture. The competition is targeted at all towns, whether small, medium or large. Inspired by the success of the flagship UK City of Culture, which is a proven model for cultural placemaking